The End of an Era

Publishing a brand new article every Monday has been something I’ve done with consistency for over three years.

We’re 178 articles in, but it’s time to be honest with myself. It’s not something I can do anymore.

I feel like I’m beginning to write for the sake of being able to proudly say, “I’ve never missed a single Monday without publishing.” It’s the wrong reason to keep this streak running.

When I first started Self Stairway, I set out with the task to stand out from all other self-improvement websites and to avoid re-hashing the same old feel-good clichés. I began this website so I can bleed stories from my own life and relate to you, hoping to inspire and help you.

I’m afraid that if I continue publishing every single week, I’ll hit a point where I’ll begin publishing for the sake of a deadline I’ve set for myself while sacrificing quality in the process.

Back in November 13, 2011, I sent out an email to my favorite writer, James Altucher, who I modeled much of my early writing style on.

This was about 14 months before I finally started Self Stairway, but I asked James for some pointers. Here’s what he told me:

“ONLY bleed stories from your own life. Explore your memories. Then people can relate. When we all relate and realize that we’re all going through the same thing: life on this planet, and that it’s hard – that’s self-improvement.”

So that’s what I’ve done since day one. I’ve bled stories. I’ve only written and given advice based off of my reality and personal experiences in hopes that you’d relate and realize that we all have our own flaws, struggles, and triumphs.

I’ve always been honest with you.

Don’t worry, Self Stairway’s not shutting down. There are so many stories left to tell and so many lessons to give.

Hell, I might even publish an article next Monday, but gone are the days of an article going live each and every Monday morning. There might only be an article once every other week or once a month.

Who knows?

Another one of my favorite writers only writes once a month (sometimes twice a month or more), so obviously publishing at least once a week isn’t a strict rule that all good writers have to follow.

Yeah, it’s the end of an era, but hopefully this means each article I publish means more and I can continue giving each piece my all.

Vincent Nguyen is the author of Self Stairway and founder of Growth Ninja, a digital marketing agency that specializes in Facebook Ads. Voted "Most Guapo" five years in a row (lost during 6th year to a hand model.)

44 responses to The End of an Era

I think it’s a good decision, and to be honest with you, just like you’re honest with us, I really like your old articles more, like the one you published last week about being a good friend, it’s one of the first articles I’ve read on SelfStairway.

Although I believe that schedules are the best way to do a great and consistent work, I personally couldn’t maintain high quality with a schedule like “publishing one article each week”, maybe every two weeks or maybe just let thing flow.

Don’t do it for the sake of meeting a deadline, do it for the sake of expressing something valuable that can better someone’s life, sound like a good way to go Vincent!

But we’re going to miss your articles when you don’t publish and you’re going to lose some loyal readers out there when you don’t publish !!! just kidding, will always support you 🙂

Indeed you “bled” stories and also your vulnerability. I’m glad you decided to do this. Sometimes you have to say no to the good stuff so you have time for the great stuff. We’ve talked about this for a quite a while and I’ll continue to look out for your emails (I know we both do the same for Mark).

Hahah I don’t think James used the word bleeding to mean it’s a bad thing. The way I’ve always interpreted it is that sharing pieces of yourself is hard enough to do with close friends. Doing so with strangers is even more difficult, similar to pulling teeth.

It hurts sometimes to share parts of yourself that aren’t perfect, but that’s ultimately how you (and I) get readers to relate.

Yep. Do what you gotta do. My weekly newsletter is very short, every Wednesday. Okay, well, mostly on Wednesday. Oh, wait, not every Wednesday. Okay, most Wednesdays. The rest are on autoresponder and deliver a bat-ton of content that is new for each subscriber as they go through the process. But my personal Enews….yeah sorta Wednesday. ish.

I have enjoyed watching (reading) you grow, and mature on your site. Thank you for giving us a head’s up that you are changing your writing schedule to meet your needs (desires).
We support your decision.
Wholeheartedly.

Fair play to you! It’s really difficult when you’re putting so much pressure on yourself to write something amazing. Relax now and the inspiration will come to you when the time is right. Enjoy the break 😊

Keep writing ,keep inspiring as you feel convenient . You are a wonderful writer as you explained in your stories and whatever your journey is ,was and would be ,you deserve a better future ! Good luck and enjoy life as it comes on your way !!

I just found your website for the first time today and have read a couple of articles. They are inspiring and send a positive message. Don’t forget that the things we do in our lives can have a significant impact on another person. You did that for me today, and I thank you! Follow your heart and the rest will follow…

Usual stuff. Hanging out with friends and family while simultaneously running the main business. This site really only took one Sunday each week, but that’s not a commitment I enjoy making on a weekly basis anymore. Only going to write when there’s a strong urge now.

It’s been several months, nearly half a year even, since this article. I can safely say I haven’t quite had the urge to write anything since publishing this one. What initially started as a one-week hiatus grew into something much more than that. It led to the realization that I was writing through obligation instead of through sheer desire.

I don’t think any time here has been wasted. I may start writing once a week again. Who knows?

Hey Vince, I miss those articles already! Well, I’m sure by now you already know you made the right decision. And it’s good that you consciously decided on that. In my case, I slipped into posting articles and ended up not doing so for over a year now. I still get this guilt feeling of “I-coulda”. But somehow I managed to move on and focus on what is needed now. Best of luck to you!

Hey Vincent — I followed your blog for quite a while over the past few years and sporadically left comments. You popped into my mind today. I had been working on how to find a way to put together my appreciation for the internet and connecting with people with my days as a med student. I shared the start of this way back when, maybe in 2014 with you on your blog. I finally found a way to do it, in a way that was authentic to me and beneficial to others. It’s totally modest (not on your scale ;)) BUT I love it and it brings happiness to my viewers. Just wanted to share that sentiment with you, as your writings and your determination and your rule defying ways were something I’m so glad you boldly shared with the internet! Whatever you’re up to now, wishing you the best.

Aww Vincent. I just saw your site. Is this your last post already? If it is, that would be too bad. You can keep publishing as long as the call to publish continues. You should not do it just because of your schedule

Well, shoot, guess I am too late for the party then :/ but I will read your articles even though the Blog is “gone” for now since I like your writing. Hope you have a great Journey and thanks for the 178 articles youve written, cheers!